ฺBang Niang Market

Talaat Nat literally translates as ‘Market by Appointment’. For practical purposes, what this really means is that it is not open every day. There are two of these markets in the Khao Lak area. There is the newer and more mind boggling market outside Build Factory. But, by far the best market for tourists is the Bang Niang Market. Open from 2pm till around 10pm every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, this market should be on your list of places to visit before you leave.

Bang Niang Market is set up in several different sections, all of which are covered here.

Food

There is a great variety of foos at Bang Niang Market. The food section is closest to the Main road on the East side of Bang Niang Market. Just behind all the Taxis are rows upon rows of food stalls. Try the BBQ skewers, fried chicken, sushi, spring rolls, kebabs, burgers and steamed peanuts (sounds weird but they really grow on you). There are also more authentic Thai dishes served in plastic bags to take away. Photo by: Michael License: CC BY-ND 2.0

Fresh Food

On the North side of Bang Niang Market is the fresh food section. If you are just on holiday there may not be a lot for you to buy here but it is an interesting experience nonetheless. Head down and see how many of the various fruits and vegetables you actually recognise. And, if you are concerned about cleanliness at the meat stalls, don’t worry. Most of them wave a plastic bag on a stick to get rid of the flies. Job done!

All the other Stuff…

Furthest from the main road on the Southwest side of Bang Niang Market is a collection of all the stuff locals think tourists want to buy. This basically consists of cheap T-Shirts, counterfeit electronics, Handicrafts and swords. Quite an eclectic mix! After living here for five years I still find it fun to walk around and see the contrast in items on sale. I particularly like the Hand carved soap stall next to the stall with throwing stars and Tasers. Something for everyone! But whatever takes your fancy, be prepared to haggle… Photo by: Grant Guarino License: CC BY-SA 2.0

Barter Barter Barter!

You can’t get angry with being quoted extortionate prices for two reasons. Firstly, in Thailand, getting angry very rarely helps the situation. The Thai culture is one that doesn’t appreciate confrontation. Secondly, the ridiculous initial price you are quoted is just part of the whole game. You are supposed to play along! So smile, laugh and enjoy the process. Start with a price lower than you are prepared to finally pay and be prepared to walk away. Just beware sometimes you might only be able to get a 10%-20% discount. Other times they might be trying to sell something to you for 4 or 5 times what its worth.

Bang Niang Market is open every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday from 2pm till around 7-8pm. It is next to the Main road on the corner of the Bang Niang Beach Road. The best time to head down there is in the late afternoon when it is a bit cooler. There are plenty of restaurants and bars for you to relax in when you’re finished.